Instead of fighting for a spot in Newcastle United’s starting lineup, Jonas Gutierrez is fighting for his health.
Gutierrez revealed that he is suffering from testicular cancer Tuesday. The Newcastle winger told an Argentinian television station that he is undergoing chemotherapy to combat the cancer, according to the Mirror.
“I detected a tumor in a testicle,” Gutierrez said. “I came here (to Argentina) and I assumed the costs, despite having a contract with Newcastle. Money is not important. What is important is health and I had to start chemotherapy.
“It was hard to find my hair falling out. I did not want to cut it. I wanted to hold on.
“Fighting cancer makes the rest of the problems are insignificant. I decided to tell my story because maybe is will help people who have cancer.”
Gutierrez, 31, is on leave from Newcastle as he battles the disease.
Gutierrez joined Newcastle in summer 2008 and was a mainstay in the Magpies’ lineup until last season when the club loaned him to Norwich City. Gutierrez has scored 10 goals in 177 league games for Newcastle.
Gutierrez also has played for Argentina’s national team. He was a member of the Argentina squad that competed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Gutierrez has received messages from around the world since the news broke. The Argentine thanked fans and well-wishers Tuesday.
[tweet https://twitter.com/elgalgojonas/status/511974430571241472 align=’center’]
Photo via Twitter/@BBCSporf
